Date:         Sat, 14 Feb 2004 00:27:06 -0700
Reply-To:     Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: RoadHaus - Wireless Internet Report
In-Reply-To:  <009a01c3f2c1$56a35320$7bd591a6@laptop>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Entity Larry Chase spoke thus:

> http://www.roadhaus.com/Wireless%20Internet.html
Frankly Larry, I'm not impressed. $80 per month subscription for such a slow
speed with exhorbitant hardware outlay is not my idea of a viable solution
for the average mobile user.
There are many sites with up-to date searchable Wi-Fi databases, 2 of which
are:
http://www.wifinder.com/
WiFinder - Worldwide Hotspots Directory

and:
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
Wi-FiHotSpotList.com, a directory of public hot spots for finding Wi-Fi
wireless Internet access network nodes

These free hotspots typically hit 650k down AND up (DSL), and with an
external antenna you can sit and internet from your Vanagon.  The only
difficulty can be sending POP email from a public access point, but webmail
is still usable anywhere you can surf.

The best strategy is to drive around running a "Stumbler" application, which
announces in voice all access points in range. Once you start doing it
you'll be amazed how dense the AP's are. Plus, there's a real thrill in
finding a real fast hotspot, doing your stuff and making a fast getaway.

All you need is an 802.11 card, either PCMCIA or Airport (for Mac), under
$100 for the card. Older cards run $40 used, but may have lower security. An
external antenna for a laptop can cost $80 or an externally mounted
directional like I have can run $120 for the antenna and hardware:
http://www.Gnarlodious.com/Vanagon/Electrical/Pages/Internet.html

Hope your many fans don't consider your solution the only one.

-- Gnarlie